TANNING THE LEATHER – The leather used for Pelle Arte tiles is similar in nature to the leather used on the soles of shoes.  It is called vegetable tanned leather.  Although modern machinery has made the production of this type of leather faster and more efficient, the basic process for making vegetable tanned leather has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.  Tannic acid found in the bark of certain trees, roots and nutshells is the natural material used to produce vegetable tanned leather.  Veg-tan, as it is commonly called, is known for it’s inherent beige color and very firm and durable leather surface.  It is the ideal choice for tiles used in floor and wall coverings.  

THE TANNER – Leather making is quite a complicated chemical and mechanical process. The “Tanner”, who is responsible for creating the formulations and overseeing the production, is perhaps the most important and valuable element in the leather making process.  The process of chemically tanning the leather is followed by several mechanical processes including drying followed by splitting and shaving (where the leather is cut and then shaved to uniform thickness), rolling (where the leather is rolled smooth and flat – this process also hardens the leather much like forging hardens steel) and measuring (where the hide surface is measured for size).  At this point, the leather is ready to be processed into tiles.

MAKING LEATHER TILES – Starting with only the best quality leather available; the hides are specially selected for use as floor tiles.  Once selected, the hides are carefully cut into tiles.  Each individual tile is hand inspected to ensure uniformity in color and thickness and to make sure every tile meets Pelle Arte's strict requirements.  Each tile is then “squared” on a special machine that ensures each tile exactly the same shape and size. 

THE COLORING PROCESS – At this point, the tiles are ready to be colored which is commonly referred to as "finishing" in the trade.  Although the finishing process is the same for all of Pelle Arte's collections, the mechanical process is different for each collection.  The finishing process can include spray, roll and curtain coating  plus embossing for the Portofino Collezione.  Each process is carefully monitored and controlled by specially trained and highly skilled leather craftsmen and women. 

Making leather tiles of unmatched beauty, quality and durability is Pelle Arte's  top priority. 

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